HomeMy WebLinkAbout2017/01/26 - ADMIN - Minutes - City Council - Study SessionOfI St. Louis Park
MINNESOTA
OFFICIAL MINUTES
City Council Workshop Session
January 26 and 27, 2017
January 26, 2017: The workshop session was called to order 4:05 p.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Councilmembers Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin,
Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller and Sue Sanger
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening) and Deputy City Manager/Director of Human
Resources (Ms. Deno).
Others present: Bridget Gothberg, Facilitator
1. Agenda
Reviewed agenda for January 26 and welcome from Mayor Spano
2. Carver Governance Model
Council participated in several exercises and discussions on Carver Governance.
3. Unwritten Rules and Council Norms
Ms. Gothberg presented information on current unwritten rules and council norms and
discussion took place by council. No major changes or adjustments to the current document
were suggested.
4. Relational Learning
Ms. Gothberg facilitated discussion with council on learning and review of each Gregore
style. Council discussed styles and working with each other. Council participated in an
exercise regarding communication styles in critical situations.
Adjourned at 9:00 p.m.
January 27, 2017: The workshop session was called to order 8:44 a.m.
Councilmembers present: Mayor Jake Spano, Councilmembers Tim Brausen, Steve Hallfin,
Gregg Lindberg, Anne Mavity, Thom Miller and Sue Sanger
Staff present: City Manager (Mr. Harmening), Deputy City Manager/Director of Human
Resources (Ms. Deno), Director of Community Development (Mr. Locke), Deputy CD
Director/Housing Supervisor (Ms. Schnitker), Director of Engineering (Ms. Heiser), Director of
Operations and Recreation (Ms. Walsh), Director of Inspections (Mr. Hoffman), Chief
Information Officer (Mr. Pires), Interim Police Chief (Mr. Kraayenbrink), Fire Chief (Mr.
Koering), Communications and Marketing Manager (Ms. Larson) and Chief Financial Officer (Mr.
Simon).
Others present: Gordon Goodwin, Facilitator
1. Introductions and Check -In
2. Advancing Racial Equity
City Council Workshop Session -2- January 26 and 27, 2017
Objectives for participants:
Gain awareness of the history of race; implicit and explicit bias; and individual,
institutional, and structural racism and how it impacts or lives.
Be able to identify instances of implicated and explicit bias and individual,
institutional and structural racism.
• Be motivated to take action.
Laying it on the line
Early experiences with race
Discuss Race the Power of Illusion Episode 3 — The House We Live In
What is racial equity and inequity? What is explicit and implicit bias? What is individual,
institutional and structural racism?
Putting ideas into action:
1. Concepts for next steps
2. Meeting with Human Rights Commission and Multicultural Committee
Council action plan - develop three measurable steps for 2017:
1. Information gathering during Vision on advancing racial equity and hearing voices
and include this in all areas of Vision/Comp Plan.
2. Workforce initiatives
i. Staffing — initiatives to include avenues for success in hiring and advancing
racial equity at our workplace
ii. Contractors and wealth creation (opportunities that open up inclusion with
underrepresented groups/vendors)
Work on connecting with potential leaders in the community to diversify boards,
commissions and involvement in other areas
4. Work with HRC to continue increasing awareness in advancement of racial equity
in the community, including outreach.
3. Redevelopment
Brief overview by staff. Council discussion on understanding each other as it relates to
redevelopment; balancing strategic and reactive development; and whether we can or
should be more selective.
Adjourned at 3:30 p.m.
Meliss Kenned ,City Clerk